2015
New Jersey Strategy for
Youth Suicide Prevention
Allison Blake, Ph.D., L.S.W.
DCF Commissioner
1/1/2015
2015
New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
The New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention, effective January 2015 is the result of a
collaborative effort by community partners and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention
Advisory Council (Council), which is comprised of appointed New Jersey citizens and
representatives from a number of state departments.
The Council was formed under legislation signed into law in January 2004. The members of the
Council meet regularly to examine existing needs and services to make recommendations for
youth suicide reporting, prevention, and intervention.
Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes pain, suffering, and loss to individuals,
families, and communities nationwide. Suicide is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United
States, and the third leading cause of death for youth age 10 to 24. Suicide places a heavy burden
on the nation in terms of the emotional suffering families and communities experience, as well
as, the economic costs associated with medical care and lost productivity. According to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “each year, approximately 157,000 youth
between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries at Emergency
Departments across the U.S.” Yet suicidal behaviors frequently are met with silence and shame
within the community. These reactions are barriers to care, support for individuals in crisis and
those who have lost and/or almost lost a loved one to suicide.
In comparison to the national average, New Jersey continues to have a lower rate of suicide.
Regardless, as one death is too many, it remains a priority area to combat within the state.
During a three year period (2010-2012), there were 233 youth suicides in New Jersey. The data
for those three years revealed the rate of suicide for youth ages 10 to 18 is substantially lower
than that of the youth ages 19 to 24. Of the 233 youth that died by suicide, 168 or 72% of these
suicides occurred with youth ages 19-24. Given the low rate, a trend that has become
increasingly alarming is New Jersey’s relatively high number of suicides by train. From 2011 to
2013, New Jersey experienced 16 suicide deaths by “other land transport” (train).
In regards to suicide attempts, 2,248 youth in New Jersey were hospitalized for attempted suicide
and/or self-inflicted injuries between 2010 and2012. The data revealed that females attempt
suicide at a rate of 57.0 per 100,000 youth; nearly double the rate of males. Males attempt
suicide at a rate of 30.6 per 100,000 youth. However, male youth complete suicide at a higher
rate (7.1 per 100,000 youth) than female youth (1.8 per 100,000 youth) in New Jersey.
As noted, New Jersey recognizes that one suicide or suicide attempt is one too many. As a
result, the New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention was developed to guide New Jersey
in an effort to provide effective suicide prevention strategies to educate, empower and strengthen
youth, families and communities.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
New Jersey is among few states that provides ongoing youth suicide prevention and public
awareness as a continued commitment to the reduction and ultimate elimination of suicide
among youth. The state continues to maintain strict laws restricting youth access to firearms,
which has minimized suicide completions as this is a more deadly means of attempt. The NJ
Department of Education (DOE) continues to mandate staff training in schools for suicide
prevention and the detection of early warning signs. The NJ Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC)
has implemented the evidence-based Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) for
youth served in detention centers to assess their risk for suicide at multiple intervals. In addition,
the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) has policies in place to ensure youth in care
are screened and treated when they present signs of suicidal ideation.
The DCF, Division of Family and Community Partnerships (FCP) is the lead agency for youth
suicide prevention in the state. DCF recognizes the value of building partnerships within and
among State and local systems, community service providers, the private sector, foundations,
universities, and the media in combating youth suicide. As a result, this strategy is a result of a
collective effort. Below are some of the core suicide prevention programs that currently provide
services to youth and families in New Jersey.
Traumatic Loss Coalition
The Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth Program (TLC) at University Behavioral Healthcare at
Rutgers is funded by the DCF. TLC is an interactive, statewide network that offers collaboration
opportunities and support to professionals working with school-age youth. The dual mission of
TLC is excellence in suicide prevention and trauma response assistance to schools following
suicide, homicide and deaths that result from accidents and/or illnesses.
2ND Floor Youth Helpline
2ND Floor Youth Helpline (1-888-222-2228, www.2ndfloor.org) at 180 Turning Lives Around
is funded by the DCF. 2ND Floor serves youth and young adults (ages 10-24) in New Jersey.
Youth who call are assisted with their daily life challenges by professional staff and trained
volunteers. Anonymity and confidentiality are assured except in life-threatening situations.
2ND Floor is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.
Jersey Voice
Jersey Voice (jerseyvoice.net) exists for teens and young adults in New Jersey who have ever
had a horrible day, struggled with mental health problems, or lost a loved one. This peer-to-peer
website is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) –
Garrett Lee Smith grant. It encourages teens and young adults to use their own unique Jersey
voices to help each other, recognize their strengths, promote resiliency, and inspire hope.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
Mobile Response and Crisis Screening
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to
help children and youth experiencing emotional or behavioral crises. Services are designed to
defuse an immediate crisis, keep children and their families safe, and help stabilize children in
their own homes or current living situation (such as a resource foster home, treatment home or
group home).
Adult and Youth Mental Health Services
New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline
NJ Hopeline (1-855-654-6735, www.njhopeline.com) launched May 2013 at Rutgers University
Behavioral Healthcare’s Contact Center is funded by New Jersey Department of Human Services
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The center is accredited by the American
Association of Suicidology and is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.
The Hopeline is New Jersey's dedicated in-state peer support and suicide prevention hotline
staffed by mental health professionals and peer support specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. The service is available to callers of all ages for confidential telephone support (except
when a suicide attempt is in progress), assessment, and referral. Crisis chat is also accessible
through the website and the service can be reached by texting [email protected].
Screening and Screening Outreach Programs
Screening and screening outreach programs are located within each of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
These programs are available to individuals in emotional crisis who require immediate attention
and cannot wait for a regular appointment. Screening and screening services are typically
located in a general hospital and available 24-hours a day, seven-days a week. An individual may
walk in without an appointment, or be brought to the screening center by a parent, friend, spouse,
law enforcement official, mental health worker, or any other concerned individual. If the person
in crisis is unable or unwilling to come to the Center, a screening outreach team may be sent to
the person.
For information about adult mental health services, visit the DHS Division of Mental Health and
Addiction Services' website at http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/divisions/dmhas/.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) provides free and
confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
In the development of the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, the National Strategy for
Suicide Prevention was a key resource. New Jersey believes everyone has a role in preventing suicides.
The goals and objectives in this New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention focuses on wellness,
increased protection, risk reduction, and the promotion of effective treatment and recovery using
evidenced based and/or evidence-informed practices. This strategy:
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Addresses the needs of vulnerable populations, while being culturally sensitive
Promotes the coordination of public health and mental health systems
Uses the most up-to-date knowledge in prevention and postvention
Combats misconceptions about suicide to reduce shame, silence, and build
resiliency in individuals and communities
Promotes safe messaging when reporting and discussing suicide.
DCF is the lead state agency responsible for facilitating the work to prevent youth suicide in
New Jersey. In this role, as stated earlier, DCF recognizes the work of youth suicide prevention
cannot be accomplished by any one entity. As a result, DCF and the other listed state entities
have identified objectives within each goal that they will advance. Additionally, DCF welcomes
the support of the public, the Council, community based organization, institutions of higher
education, and county and local governments to support us in advancing further goals and
objective.
Goal 1: Continue to integrate and coordinate suicide prevention activities across multiple
federal, local, and state systems. (NJ Department of Children and Families)
Objective 1.1: Increase integration, coordination, and alignment across child, youth, and family
serving systems and supports.
Objective 1.2: Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration between prevention partners.
Objective 1.3: Engage new and existing partners to participate in implementation of New
Jersey’s Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
Objective 1.4: Encourage state and community based agencies to collaborate in seeking funding
that supports youth suicide prevention efforts.
Objective 1.5: Advocate for resources to integrate suicide prevention into all relevant health
care reform efforts.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
Goal 2: Promote the use of research-informed communication efforts to encourage change
in attitudes, and behaviors to increase knowledge to prevent suicide.
(NJ Department of Children and Families)
Objective 2.1: Support and disseminate communication strategies that promote safe traditional
and social media messaging for diverse populations.
Objective 2.2: Increase knowledge of the warning signs for suicide and how to connect
individuals in crisis with assistance and care.
Goal 3: Increase knowledge of the factors that offer protection from suicidal behaviors and
promote wellness and recovery.
(NJ Department of Education and Juvenile Justice Commission)
Objective 3.1: Promote effective programs and practices that increase protection from suicide
risk.
Objective 3.2: Reduce the discrimination and stigma associated with suicidal behaviors and
mental and substance use disorders.
Objective 3.3: Promote the understanding that recovery from mental and substance use disorders
are possible for all.
Objective 3.4 Promote SAMSHA’s National Registry of Evidenced Based Programs and
Practices as a tool for identifying effective suicide prevention programs.
Goal 4: Promote responsible media reporting of suicide, accurate portrayals of suicide and
mental illnesses in the reporting (i.e. newspapers and television), and entertainment
industry, and the safety of online content related to suicide.
(NJ Department of Children and Families)
Objective 4.1: Encourage and recognize news organizations that develop and implement policies
and practices addressing the safe and responsible reporting of suicide and other
related behaviors.
Objective 4.2: Encourage and recognize members of the entertainment industry who follow
recommendations regarding the accurate and responsible portrayals of suicide and
other related behaviors.
Objective 4.3: Identify, disseminate, and promote guidelines on the safety of online content for
new and emerging communication technologies and applications.
Objective 4.4: Identify, disseminate, and promote guidance for journalism and mass
communication to schools regarding how to address consistent and safe
messaging on suicide and related behaviors in their curricula.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
Goal 5: Promote the implementation of effective wellness programs that prevent suicide
and related behaviors.
(NJ Department of Children and Families and NJ Department of Human Services)
Objective 5.1: Strengthen the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive
state/territorial, tribal, and local suicide prevention programming.
Objective 5.2: Encourage community-based settings to implement effective programs and
provide education that promote wellness and prevent suicide and related
behaviors.
Objective 5.3: Strategize intervention efforts to target New Jersey’s high risk populations to
reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Objective 5.4: Strengthen efforts to increase access to and delivery of effective programs and
services for mental and substance use disorders.
Objective 5.5: Encourage upstream prevention approaches across all service sectors (i.e.
education, health care, community based organizations, etc.)
Goal 6: Promote efforts to reduce access to lethal means of suicide through the
implementation and training of safety plans for individuals with identified suicide
risk. (Juvenile Justice Commission)
Objective 6.1: Promote and educate partners in the use of safety plans for individuals.
Objective 6.2: Continue to partner with New Jersey Department of Transportation to explore
additional methods to prevent suicide by train in New Jersey.
Objective 6.3: Identify, disseminate, and promote the implementation of new safety
technologies such as mapping to reduce access to lethal means.
Goal 7: Provide evidence-supported training to community and clinical service providers
on the prevention of suicide and related behaviors specific to the needs and roles of
the provider.
(NJ Department of Children and Families and NJ Department of Human Services)
Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in
the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.
Objective 7.2: Promote training to mental health and substance abuse providers on the
recognition, assessment, and management of at-risk behavior, and the delivery of
effective clinical care for people with suicide risk.
Objective 7.3: Promote the adoption of core education and training guidelines on the prevention
of suicide and related behaviors by all health professions, including graduate and
continuing education.
Objective 7.4: Promote the adoption of core education and training guidelines on the prevention
of suicide and related behaviors by credentialing and accreditation bodies.
Objective 7.5: Identify, disseminate, and promote protocols and programs for clinicians,
clinical supervisors, first responders, crisis staff, and others on how to implement
effective strategies for communicating and collaboratively managing suicide risk.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
Goal 8: Promote suicide prevention as a core component of health care services.
(NJ Department of Human Services)
Objective 8.1: Promote the adoption of “zero suicides” as an aspirational goal by health care
and community support systems that provide services and support to defined
patient populations.
Objective 8.2: Promote protocols for delivering services for individuals with suicide risk in the
most collaborative, responsive, and least restrictive settings.
Objective 8.3: Promote timely access to assessment, intervention, and effective care for
individuals with a heightened risk for suicide.
Objective 8.4: Promote continuity of care, safety and well-being of all patients treated
for suicide risk in emergency departments or hospital inpatient units.
Objective 8.5: Encourage health care delivery systems to incorporate suicide prevention and
appropriate responses to suicide attempts as indicators of continuous quality
improvement efforts.
Objective 8.6: Establish linkages between providers of mental health and substance abuse
services and community-based programs, including peer support programs.
Objective 8.7: Coordinate and promote services among suicide prevention and intervention
programs, health care systems, and accredited local crisis centers.
Objective 8.8: Develop and promote collaborations between emergency departments and other
health care providers to provide alternatives to emergency department care and
hospitalization when appropriate, and to promote rapid follow-up after discharge.
Goal 9: Promote effective clinical and professional practices for assessing and treating
those identified as being at risk for suicidal behaviors.
(NJ Department of Human Services and Juvenile Justice Commission)
Objective 9.1: Disseminate and promote guidelines for the assessment of suicide risk among
individuals receiving care in all settings.
Objective 9.2: Identify, disseminate, and promote the implementation of guidelines for clinical
practice and continuity of care for providers who treat people with suicide risk.
Objective 9.3: Promote the safe disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors by all patients.
Objective 9.4: Identify, disseminate, and promote guidelines to effectively engage families and
concerned others ( when appropriate), throughout entire episodes of care for
persons with suicide risk.
Objective 9.5: Identify, disseminate, and promote policies and procedures to assess suicide risk
and intervene to promote safety and reduce suicidal behaviors among patients
receiving care for mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Objective 9.6: Identify, disseminate, and promote standardized protocols for use within
emergency departments to allow for more differentiated responses based on risk
profiles and assessed clinical needs.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
Objective 9.7: Identify, disseminate, and promote guidelines on how to document the
assessment and treatment of suicide risk. In addition, establish a training and
technical assistance to assist providers with implementation.
Goal 10: Continue to provide care and support to individuals affected by suicide deaths
and attempts to promote healing and implement community strategies to help
prevent further suicides. (NJ Department of Children and Families)
Objective 10:1: Promote the existing New Jersey comprehensive support programs for
individuals affected by suicide.
Objective 10.2: Assess the identified strengths and needs within NJ in order to enhance effective
comprehensive support programs.
Objective 10.3: Explore best practices in providing care and support to individuals/families
affected by suicide deaths and attempts. Such as using a document created by a
group of experienced organizations (AAS, AFSP, Lifeline, NAMI-NH, Suicide
Awareness Voices of Education, and several advocates) titled “Special
Consideration for Telling Your Own Story: Best Practices for Presentations by
Suicide Loss and Suicide Attempt Survivors, etc.
Objective 10.4: Identify, disseminate, and promote guidelines to promote, support, and
operationalize self-care for healthcare providers, first responders, and others
with care and support when a patient under their care dies by suicide.
Goal 11: Enhance New Jersey’s surveillance systems relevant to suicide prevention and
the ability to collect, analyze, and use information in a timelier manner.
(NJ Department of Health)
Objective 11.1: Improve the timeliness of reporting vital records data.
Objective 11.2: Improve the usefulness and quality of suicide-related data.
Objective 11.4: Improve the number of nationally representative surveys and data collection
instruments that include questions on suicidal behaviors, related risk factors,
and exposure to suicide.
Goal 12: Review the impact of interventions used for suicide prevention and enhance the
collaboration between federal, state and local systems in the collection and
dissemination findings. (NJ Department of Children and Families)
Objective 12.1: Promote and support the availability of quality research resources in the
prevention of suicide and the care and aftermath of suicide behaviors through
the implementation of best practices.
Objective 12.2: Promote evaluations to determine the effectiveness of suicide prevention
interventions.
Objective 12.3: Assess and disseminate the evidence in support of suicide prevention
intervention to promote systematic integration.
Objective 12.4: Promote the impact and effectiveness of the National Strategy for Suicide
Prevention.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
ADDITIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES
AIR Attitudes in Reverse - attitudesinreverse.org
The mission of AIR Attitudes In Reverse® is to educate society about mental health. People
need to know that the best suicide prevention plan is a good mental health awareness program. In
addition, AIR tries to educate that ALL people should be treated with dignity, respect, and
understanding, no matter what illness they might have. If people “act different” there is a very
good chance that there is a diagnosed or non-diagnosed mental health disorder, and should NOT
to be judged or criticized.
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide -sptsusa.org
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) was started in 2006 by two fathers who
had lost teenaged children to suicide. This website includes information for teens, parents and
educators, including a video, Not My Kid: What Every Parent Should Know. This short video
asks and answers questions about whether or not your child may be at risk for suicide. More
importantly, it demonstrates how to ask those questions - and keep asking - until you get answers
that help you understand whether or not your child is at risk and what to do about it.
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New Jersey Strategy for Youth Suicide Prevention
New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council Members
and contributors to New Jersey’s Strategy for Suicide Prevention
*Subcommittee members
of the N.J. Strategy for Suicide Prevention
Kelly Allen *
Elizabeth Dahms, MS, RN-BC
Coordinator, Safe and Supportive School Unit
NJ Department of Education
Office of Student Support Services
Commissioner Designee
Commissioner Designee
NJ Department of Health
Wendy DePedro, MSEd *
Elizabeth Board of Education
Executive Director
Mental Health Association of Monmouth
County
Maureen Brogran, LPC *
Andrew Evangelista, LCSW, LCADC
Coordinator
Rutgers, University Behavioral Health Care
Traumatic Loss Coalition
Co-Chairperson: New Jersey Strategy for
Suicide Prevention Plan
Montclair High School
Teresa Buxton, MSW*
Theodore Petti, MD, MPH *
Samuel Bernstein, MSW
Mental Health Liaison
NJ Juvenile Justice Commission
Office of Rehabilitative and Treatment Unit
Commissioner Designee
Alexander Glebocki, MA, DRCC *
Commissioner Designee
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Rutger’s University Behavioral Health Care
April G. Scott, MSW *
NJ Juvenile Justice Commission
Commissioner Designee alternate
NJ Department of Children and Families
Division of Family and Community Partnerships
Office of School Linked Services
Chairperson: New Jersey Strategy for Suicide
Prevention Plan -
Charmaine Thomas, MSW
Michelle Scott, Phd *
Christina Rasiewicz, MBA, LCSW, LCADC
Assistant Commissioner, FCP & DOW
NJ Department of Children and Families
Division of Family and Community Partnerships
and Division on Women
Shondelle Wills-Bryce, MSW *
Administrator
NJ Department of Children and Families
Division of Family and Community Partnerships
Office of School Linked Services
Monmouth University
New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory
Council - Chairperson
Judith Springer, Psyd
Ceceilyn Miller Institute
Mario Tommasi, Phd, ABPP
Community Treatment Solutions
New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory
Council Co-Chairperson
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